Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 103(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 103(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
At home, we’ve fallen into a comfortable routine, but today I’m on edge. Not just because Dustin is performing in the bulldogging event at the Classic, but also because we’re going to be back at the rodeo, and I can’t stop remembering how these things have gone in the past.
The last event I went to, I sat in the stands the whole time, and when it was over I waited and waited for Dustin to come over and find me, and when he didn’t, I went home alone.
I’m praying this time is going to be different, but I’m not holding my breath.
“You okay?” Dustin asks me for the third time.
I force a smile onto my face. He shouldn’t be worried about me. He should be thinking about his event. “I’m fine.”
He huffs out a breath and steps in front of me. “Talk to me.”
Looking up at him, I’m reminded that we agreed we were going to be open and talk to each other, but I don’t want to lay this at his feet right now, so I only tell him half of it. “I’m just worried about you, that’s all. I… I just need you to be okay.”
He smiles at me. “Because you love me…”
I roll my eyes. For a man that never said it, it’s like he’s making up for lost time. I grab on to the front of his shirt. “Yes, I love you.”
He lets out a breath. “What else is going on in that pretty head of yours?”
I bite my lower lip and shake my head side to side. I lean into him, wanting to stay with him, but I know he needs to focus on his event that will be starting soon. “Nothing. I’m going to go grab a seat.”
He grabs my hand to hold me where I’m at. “Where do you think you’re going?”
I point to the stands, eyeing an empty seat. “To sit down.”
I tug on my hand, but he doesn’t let go. “Would you care to stay with me?”
When I don’t answer right away, he shrugs but doesn’t let me go. “I mean, of course, if you’d rather not, then I can walk you over to your seat.”
I tilt my head, confused. “You want me with you?”
He nods quickly. “Always.”
I lean into him. “Okay, I’ll follow you.”
He puts an arm around my waist and walks with me through the crowd. He’s slow moving, introducing me along the way. Multiple people wish him luck, and he thanks them. We walk past the other wives and girlfriends, and he walks me right up to the edge of the walkway for cowboys to enter. He looks around for a seat and helps me into one at the end of an aisle. “Here you go, honey.”
I’m surprised when he sits down next to me, still holding my hand. I turn to face him, “Dustin, this is crazy. You should be up there getting ready.”
He just smiles as if he’s got all the time in the world. “I’m in no rush, honey.”
I stroke my hand along his jaw. “You’re going to be great, D.”
He nods cockily. “I know. I have my good luck charm with me.”
The announcers come on the microphone. “Okay, ladies and gentlemen, get ready because the final ride is coming up, and I guarantee it’s going to be entertaining. Dustin Clay is up next.”
Dustin doesn’t rush to stand up. Instead, he pulls me into his lap and kisses me until I’m panting. When he lifts his mouth from mine, he’s smiling ear to ear. I slide my hands around his neck. “What are you smiling about, D?”
He nods his head toward the jumbotron. “I wanted to make sure everyone knew you were taken.” He kisses me again. “I’ll be right back.”
I look toward the huge screen and gasp when I see that the camera is right on Dustin and me. The crowd erupts with claps and cheers, and Dustin sets me back in my seat. He’s about to walk away, but I stand up and grab on to his arm to stop him. “I love you, D.”
He gives me that smile. “I love you too, baby. I’ll be right back.”
I put a hand to my chest, right over my heart, and watch him walk to the entrance. Ray is standing there with Bolt, and I’m in awe as I watch Dustin climb up on the beautiful horse. My heart feels so full, and without thought, I walk up to the fence and lean against it to watch Dustin.
A few minutes go by, and I’m holding my breath as the announcer says that the ride is about to start. Everyone is on their feet, and when the countdown starts, I want to close my eyes and say a prayer, but I can’t look away. The steer takes off, and Dustin follows. It feels like minutes tick by when it’s mere seconds.